1. P5e - Satellite communications

5. Atmospheric effects

6. Diffraction If it were not for diffraction, there would be many areas where radio waves would not reach. Waves can still be detected even when they cannot travel in a straight line, from where they are being produced, to where they are to be received. This is because waves can be diffracted.

7. Diffraction The size of the gap affects the amount that the waves are diffracted. A large gap produces small diffraction. A small gap produces large diffraction.

8. Diffraction The size of the gap affects the amount that the waves are diffracted. Radio waves diffract easily and so they are very suitable for broadcasting. Long wave radio waves have a very long transmission range because they diffract around hills and over the horizon. A large gap produces small diffraction. A small gap produces large diffraction.

9. Diffraction of waves Don’t despair if you live behind a big hill! Short wave Long wave

10. Diffraction of waves at the dish Short wave Long wave

11. Amplitude modulation (AM)

12. Frequency modulation (FM)